Titans to bring improved defense to Reliant Sunday

After a 16-9 strangling of the Steelers, it seems the recalibrated Titans defense is much improved after allowing the most points in the NFL in 2012. Gregg Williams, late of the Saints — and “Bountygate” — may never live down his notoriety, but he remains an excellent tactician. Bernard Pollard, once the Texans’ biggest hitter in the secondary, is the new strong safety.

Although Williams is officially only the “senior assistant” to coordinator Jerry Gray, his influence will be profound. After averaging 31 points in their last four games against Tennessee, the Texans are going to find scoring on the Titans a lot more difficult. And Matt Schaub is going to feel the heat, as Ben Roethlisberger will attest. Williams loves to blitz early and often.

The Titans signed the best available free-agent offensive lineman, Andy Levitre, added an excellent blocking tight end in Delanie Walker, and used the 10th pick in the draft on guard Chance Warmack, hoping to turn Chris Johnson’s clock back to his 2,000-yard rushing days. Johnson had only 70 against the Steelers, but the Titans controlled the clock.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the Chargers. less

<center><strong>Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent Brown. less

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.